Pakistan and West Indies launch 2026 Test series at Brian Lara Stadium

The two‑match Test series between Pakistan and the West Indies began on 25 July 2026 at the newly inaugurated Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad, with the second Test scheduled for 2 – 6 August at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. Babar Azam returned to the Pakistan captaincy, replacing Shan Masood, while West Indies were led by spin‑bowling all‑rounder Roston Chase. The opening match marked the venue’s first ever Test, making it the 13th Test ground in the Caribbean. Pakistan entered the series after a 0‑2 loss to Bangladesh and dropped fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi; they also lost fast bowler Abdullah Fazal to a lower‑back injury. West Indies added debutant spinner Joshua Bishop and recalled batsman Kirk McKenzie following injuries to Alzarri Joseph and John Campbell. West Indies won the toss and elected to bat. Both sides are seeking crucial points in the ICC World Test Championship 2025‑27, with the West Indies aiming to win a series against Pakistan for the first time since 2000.